Bedford, Walter Scott , Merchant Tailor, 79 Princes Street, Dunedin. This business was founded by Mr. Fred Smith, who carried it on successfully for a number of years, and was acquired by Mr. Bedford in July, 1903. Since that time large improvements have been made, both in the establishment and the general business. The shop and workrooms occupy most of the first floor of the Mutual Life Chambers, and are well ventilated and lighted throughout. A large assortment of first-class tweeds, vicunas, and trouserings are kept in stock, and a specialty is made of evening dress clothes. The proprietor is also a practical ladies' tailor, and does a large business in riding habits and tailor-made gowns. Luxuriantly appointed fitting and trying-on rooms are provided for the convenience of patrons.

McLean, John Ellison, and Co. , Merchant Tailors, 107 George Street, Dunedin. Mr. McLean opened his present business in September, 1899, and since then, has built up a large connection. He personally under-takes all the cutting and supervising of the establishment, and clients favouring him with orders are guaranteed satisfaction. The stock page 309 consists of English, Scotch and Irish, tweeds, and woollens of colonial manufacture; also a varied assortment of Denton's hats, in all sizes. The premises consist of a two-storey brick building, with the fitting room, office and workrooms on the ground floor; and a large plate-glass window serves to show off a varied assortment of first-class and up-to-date goods.

Mr. Mclean was born in Manchester, England, in 1873, and arrived in New Zealand in 1881. For many years he was associated with his father in a tailoring business at Outram, Taieri, but feeling the necessity for more experience, and receiving an offer from Mr. Peter Aitken, tailor, Dunedin, he removed to the city, and remained in Mr. Aitken's establishment for a number of years, finally leaving him to start in business on his own account. Mr. McLean is an active member of the Kaikorai Brass Band, and as a Freemason is attached to Lodge St. Patrick, 463, Irish Constitution. He was married in 1990, and has one daughter.

Smith, Samuel, and Co. , carrying on business as Merchant Tailors, at 72 Princes Street, Dunedin. Owing to the energy and ability of its proprietor, Mr. S. Smith, this business has advanced greatly since its foundation in 1895. The building, of brick and wood, is two stories in height, and stands on leasehold property in the busiest section of Princes Street. The shop is well stocked with first-class tweeds, worsteds, vicunas, and all classes of goods required for the bespoke trade, and as the proprietor is in touch with the best manufacturing houses in London, Glasgow, and the West of England, he receives the latest styles, and imports the best selected goods, thereby ensuring the most up-to-date fashions, together with reliable workmanship, to his clients.

Mr. S. Smith was born in Bristol, England, and educated at the Friends Boys' British School. He arrived in New Zealand in 1881, and commenced his apprenticeship in the tailoring trade. After nine years he removed to Melbourne under engagement, and remained for five years, returning to Dunedin in 1895, and opening up the business he is now connected with. Mr. Smith, in order to gain the latest experience, recently paid a visit to the Old Country, and while there attended the Tailor and Cutter Academy in London, where, after a course of study, embracing all kinds of ladies' and gentlemen's garments, he passed the examination and secured a first-class diploma with honours. Students at that academy have to get from 95 to 100 per cent, in each subject in order to obtain honours. Mr. Smith has been an active member of the Loyal Albion Lodge of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, and passed through the various offices on three occasions. He is also a member of the Kilwinning Otago Royal Arch Chapter. No. 116, Scottish Constitution, also Knight of Constantinople, St. Lawrence the Martyr, Secret Monitor, and Tyler of King Solomon. Mr. Smith is connected with the Starr-Bowkett Building Societies in Dunedin, and as he had been connected with a similar society in Melbourne, he, on his return to Dunedin, made the best use of the knowledge he had acquired of the interior workings of these societies, and set about the formation of one, afterwards known as the Dunedin Starr-Bowkett Building Society, which commenced operations in May, 1895. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Board of Directors since its inception. There are now five of these societies in Dunedin, and the success which has attended them proves them to be of great benefit to the people of Dunedin.

Mr. S. Smith.

Dunedin, From Bell Hill: 1863.